PIPER PA-22-150 near Talkeetna, AK — 2012-05-14

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the tailwheel-equipped airplane during landing, which resulted in a ground loop. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's failure to adequately monitor the landing.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor was conducting an airplane and local area familiarization flight with the commercial pilot. The commercial pilot was landing the airplane when he lost directional control of the tailwheel-equipped airplane, which resulted in a ground loop. During the ground loop, the airplane’s left wing struck the ground, and the main landing gear collapsed. Neither pilot reported any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Landing-landing roll
• Attention / Monitoring

Evidence available

• 2 docket documents

Docket documents2

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (Lee)form
• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (Schmalz)form

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